Meyerland is a 6,000-acre, deed-restricted community in southwest Houston, Texas, outside of the 610 Loop and inside Beltway 8.

National Night Out, October 5th

National Night Out 2010 is Tuesday, October 5th. Make plans now to host or attend a block party this year. You can join with your neighbor to host right in front of your yard or have all your neighbors over to your front yard! If you don't host, ask a neighbor who is hosting how you can help. Perhaps you can bring extra chairs or drinks!

To host a block party, download the National Night Out Registration Form [pdf] and mail, fax, or return to the MCIA Office, 4999 W. Bellfort St. Houston TX 77035, fax (713) 729-0048. You can also email your information to events@meyerland.net.

Sidewalk Rebate Program

broken sidewalk Did you know that if you fix your sidewalk before the end of the year, you are eligible for a rebate? MCIA will credit homeowners at a rate of 15 cents per dollar with a maximum allowance of $6.00/square foot for sidewalk repairs. The credit will be applied to the homeowner’s MCIA account in subsequent years.

The rebate is offered to all homeowners regardless of the actual condition of your sidewalk. Download the Sidewalk Replacement Procedure [pdf] for entire instructions.

Architectural Control Forms Updated

The Meyerland Architectural Control Committee (MACC) recently updated their forms and guidelines to provide more clarity to homeowners who are sprucing up their homes. Check it out.

New EPA Rule for Residential Work Involving Lead-Based Paint

Beginning April 22, 2010 a new Rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding home renovation, lead-based paint, and lead-safe work requirements will go into effect. Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program is a federal regulatory program that affects painting contractors, property managers and other professionals who disturb painted surfaces during the course of renovation. The rule applies to residential houses, apartments and child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978. If you are doing renovations or painting in your own home, the rule does not apply.

Renovation is defined as any activity completed by a paid contractor, that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling and maintenance activities, including window replacement. Minor repair and maintenance activities that do not disturb painted surfaces are not included.

The ruling requires contractors performing work at your residence to be certified, receive special training and practice lead-safe work practice requirements. Contractors must provide you with information regarding the dangers of lead and lead-safe work practices to be employed.

For additional information, see the following EPA publications related to the ruling or lead-safe renovation.

Renovate Right (1.1 MB pdf): Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Provides and Schools

Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (2.3 MB pdf): EPAs Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program

EPA Web Site: visit the EPA site for information on renovation, repair and painting

Maplewood S/N Pool – A Great Place to Swim in 2010

The Lloyd Johnson Maplewood South/North Community Pool is located at 10425 Rampart just north of Willowbend and east of Hillcroft. The complex includes 2 large pools, a diving well, plus a super ‘splash pad’ water playground near the baby pool. This year, as in years past, the pool is offering memberships to families that do not live in the Maplewood S/N subdivision. Families that do not live in the Maplewood S/N subdivision may join the pool for the summer for $315.

The pool opens on May 1 at 1pm and will be open weekends in May. During the summer months, the pool is open 6 days a week, closed on Mondays. On Friday evenings, the pool remains open until 9 pm. The pool complex will be open daily until August 15. It will be open weekends for the remainder of August, then Saturdays only for the first 2 weeks of September.

You can complete your registration form at the pool during regular pool hours.

Need swim lessons? Private and group lessons will be available, beginning in June. In addition, the pool offers the Maplewood Marlins Swim Team – a great way for your kids to have fun and stay active. Returning members are given priority, but a limited number of new team members may register at the pool on May 8 from 11am-noon. Space is limited.

During regular pool hours, call (713) 721-1207 or stop by the pool for more information or to register.

For complete information and registration forms, check the Pool Facilities page on the Maplewood S/N website at www.maplewoodsn.org.

Citizens on Patrol

Meyerland is seeking volunteers to launch a Citizen Patrol program. This HPD program is a means for citizens to organize as groups and patrol the neighborhood. They act as another set of eyes and ears for law enforcement officers. The Citizens on Patrol program provide an effective method of discouraging neighborhood crime, promte a friendly and safter neighborhood environment, and improve communication among neighbors.

The time commitment for being a volunteer is a few hours per month. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, have a Texas driver's license, pass a background check, and go through training with the Houston Police department.

If you are interested, please contact Meyerland residents Jerry Goldman at jerryg112@aol.com or Larry Rose at dr.larry.rose@comcast.net. Read more about the Citizen Patrol program on the City of Houston's web site at http://www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/vip_citzpatrol.htm.

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a deed restricted community in Southwest Houston